You know those people who even though you’ve never met, you know you already like them? That’s exactly how I feel about Federica Piersimoni – blogger/Italian travel expert behind the awesome Italian site Viaggi Low Cost (how to travel more and spend less).
She interviewed me for the site Viaggi Low Cost (check out the interview in Italian) which was a fun experience, albeit a little intimidating due to having online proof of my non-perfect-but-close Italiano. Just by looking at her pictures you can tell two things, she loves to smile and she likes taking pictures, which in my book is always a good thing. Plus she answered my emails immediately which this Americana really appreciates ;-).
I decided to get her opinion on Italy and travel so without further ado – let’s get to know Federica!
Ciao Federica! Tell me about yourself? Where are you from and what do you do?
I am from Rimini (on the Emilia-Romagna Adriatic coast), not yet 30 years old and I have been working online since 2008. I write about travel, I am a copywriter not only for travel but for other themes as well. I also work in social media and am a consultant for a number of tourist facilities that want to work more in this field. Lets just say I do many different things.
We have a lot of common work-wise! What do you appreciate about living in Italy?
In Italy, we have the sun! While I know we are not the only ones – I think I can say with a bit of certainty that we as a country are very much like the sun, warm and open. Of course, if in addition to this we had a little ‘more organization, it wouldn’t hurt ;).
I agree with you on that one! What are three things you wish you could change about Italy
With this question, I feel like a little like a politician before an election :). On top of my list is the ability to give more confidence & trust to young people by allowing them to have a decent job and create a chance to actually be independent – something that these days, is not very easy. The second thing that I would change about Italy is ‘respect’. We have a beautiful country but we as a people have little respect for our own cultural heritage in particular. Lots of beautiful monuments, churches and art are left out in the open to eventually ruin. It’s a real shame! The third and last, is to convince people to spend more time outside of their home. Try to encourage interesting events & meet-ups for people to have a chance to get know new friends and aren’t always stuck in the office or at home. More free time to meet up and see the beauty of their own country.
All really valid points Federica. If you weren’t living in Italy, where would you live?
Every part of the world is beautiful. I would like to live for a few months everywhere if I could, but also just living in Italy and traveling from here isn’t bad. I am fine where-ever I stay and at the moment, that is Italy.
What are your top three travel destinations and why?
- Belgium, I love the wind and I love the beer.
- Normandy, because I still haven’t been there.
- Canada, the lakes and unspoiled nature inspire me.
If you had to give advice for someone visiting Italy, what should they know?
They should absolutely visit the most important and characteristic cities in Italy. I would suggest Venice, Florence, Bologna, Napoli and of course Rome. I would also recommend renting a car in order to experience the true essence of Italian cities – passing through typical villages and countryside.
Because we all know how obsessed I am with food. What is your favorite local dish?
You are not the only one, I happen to love food as well! When I travel, I never miss the opportunity to taste local specialties, in both Italy and all over the world. Because I am from Rimini, I can say at the moment my favorite dish is ‘la piadine’ (thin stuffed Italian flatbread) but in Rome I really like “tonnarelli cacio e pepe” {traditional pasta with only 4 ingredients – the pasta, grated pecorino romani, pepper and salt!
That pasta basically sounds like my idea of foodie heaven, and needs to happen very soon in this household. Thank you so much Federica for sharing her opinion with me, we have a lot of common and I can’t wait to hang out when she visits Florence. Say what you will but I always what Italians have to say about their own country to heart since after all, they are from here!
You can find Federica and her daily musings on twitter here!
2 Responses
Very interesting interview! I agree that it would be really important for Italy to give it’s young generations an opportunity – but sadly this doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon.
However now I really miss cacio e pepe! 🙂
yes i like that they do things like partita iva minimi (like I have) but fail to provide things like… affordable accountants or enforce the laws that say you should get paid your invoices on time (Ie: 30 days or less).